AFL VICTORIA LAUNCHES STATEWIDE SOCKIT2MND ROUND

As part of AFL Victoria’s commitment to social responsibility, the dedicated Round returns this year to raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), which affects thousands of Victorians each year.

Players from participating leagues and clubs across all levels of football will wear blue and white socks during the Sockit2MND Round to raise awareness of the disease.

Following on from the ‘Big Freeze at the G’ on Monday, community football is showing its support for this great cause.

In 2018, community football raised $160,000 for FightMND. This year, community football has already raised over $200,000 from over 200 participating clubs, with more to come following Sockit2MND Round this weekend.

Head of AFL Victoria Rick Bell said he is proud to be joining forces with FightMND again this year to raise awareness for an illness that affects so many Victorians each year.

“We’re excited to see the football community come together once again this year to help raise awareness and find a cure for MND.

“It is pleasing to see so many people get involved in this round, showing just how strong the football community is in coming together for a great cause,” he said.

FightMND Chief Executive Officer Jamie Howden said the SockIt2MND campaign has again been so brilliantly supported by over 200 grassroots sporting clubs and associations in 2019 and FightMND is incredibly appreciative of that commitment.

“The manner in which the socks are widely embraced by local sporting communities around Australia allows FightMND to continue to grow awareness and raise vital funds in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease.”

“We are well and truly fighting back against MND and thanks to the wonderful support of organisations such as AFL Victoria, we know we can keep landing some punches on ‘The Beast’ and we will keep fighting,” Mr. Howden said.

Victorian’s are encouraged to support the community Sockit2MND Round by taking part in the online social media campaign ‘Sock it from the Pocket’, which challenges participants to post their attempt at kicking a goal from the football pocket.

Take part in the social media campaign to help raise awareness. Remember to tag @aflvic and use the hashtag #SockItFromThePocket.

About FightMND

FightMND is Australia’s leading Independent Motor Neurone Disease association, fighting to find a cure for MND through fundraising initiatives such as the Big Freeze, Daniher’s Drive and Sockit2MND Round.

Since launching in 2014, FightMND has committed more than $28 million into research designed to take potential treatments from the science lab to the MND patient and to ultimately find effective treatments and a cure for MND. This includes a world first drug screening program, $10 million committed to clinical trials and seven new MND research projects in 2019 alone.